Shockproof x-ray apparatus



July 31, 1934. M, MORRlSON l 1,968,051

SHOCKPROOF X-RAY APPARTUS Filed Feb. l, 1955 a WM ATTORN e, Y":gesegnetv;v snooKrRooF X-RAY APPARATUS Westinghouse X-Ray Company, Inc.,`acorpora# f 1 tion of Delaware ApplicationFebruary 1, 17933,: Serial No.`654,654

' 11 claims. (o1. 250+34)` t"My v'inver'itiopn relates to electrondischarge lap' 'aparatos and lparticularly to X-ray apparatusVwhereingthe,Llmogerjof lan"oper`ator or patient accidentally contactingany high-voltage parts isentirely eliminated;A

L55 In such apparatus of the prior art it is customary toA encase theQi-ray tube and the highV tension source offenergy therefor in acontainer and immerse the same in a body of insulating and coolingVmaterial, such as oil. This latter '510 material, Whichjhas'a'higherdielectric strength tha'njair',V enables the spacing between all hightensio-ncarrying parts tobe' considerably less Athanvlould be requiredfor the same'applied voltage infair-,and consequently the X-ray tube v,Tmay be materially shortened. As the l X-ray tube'necessarilygeneratesappreciable heat durfingv itsv operationthis maybe `dissipated'some- 'what vvl`'by *the envelope rto -the y surrounding vin-;sulatinggand cooling .medium and in addition it V20 may be more readilydissipated vby'providing the-anode stem 'of the tube witha 'coolingradi- `ator :likewise immersed in-this body. f

This'results in -a rugged land cornpact Aunit of .a portablena-ture freefrom the danger of 'elec'- 25 trical shocksand capable vof supplying thevK -ray lthe tube.- This mediumaccordingly` acts as a lter `and affectsvto a great extent the .quality of theX rays to which a patient orasensitized film is subjected.

" j In accordance with my present invention I retain all kthe essential-features' requisite in shcckproof X-ray apparatusY by immersing thehigh tensionsource andall high tension terminals in oil and utilizeafforeshortened' tube as 40 in priorart 'devices to eliminate the'dangerof shocks to operator or patient.v In addition I obviate theobjectionable feature of allowingV the oil surrounding the high tension*partsuztdat as allter forfthe X-rzvn'rs' emanating from* the V tub'eibydisposing that portion of the envelope through vwhich thelX-raysiemanate from the anode target exteriorly of the casing or tankncasing the high tension parts 'of the apparatus. For abetter",understanding of rthe novel features ofmy present invention`reference may be had to-V the faccom'pa'nying drawing owherein, v-l'lli'gu're 1 isa .sectional view'of a shockproof unit constructed inaccordancegwith'myinvene 1 55 non' with; aggregating apparet@ SHOW? indiagrammatical form` for the purposes of sini@I plicity.- Y, n

Figure 2 is an elevational View on lan enlarged scale of the Ytubesupporting structure shown in Fig. 1 with a part broken away to` betterillustrate the several parts. Y

Figure 3 is an elevational View on a slightly enlarged scale of amodification of the tube s upporting structure of.Figure 1, and ,cFigure y4 isan elevational View on a slightly enlarged scale of stillanother modication of the tube supporting structure with a partbrokenaway for ,the purposes of better illustration.

Referring now to the drawingin detail I have shown in 'Figure 1 a casing5 which may vbe of a light durable meta1 and suitamy con- 10 nected toground as at 6. A high tension trans*- immersed in a cooling andinsulating medium, r7.5

lsuch as oil 9. The primary winding 7,.receives electrical energyy froma suitable source of. alternating current of the usual commercial poten'tial"through a pair of conductors 10 andA l2 .which passrhroughasuitable insulating mock 80 or termnallS providedin the Wall of the cas-FAn' Xg-rayvrtube having Yavitreous:evacuated Y .envelope .14,afthermionic cathode 15, Aand-*an anode 16 is secured to the casing-5,infa manner R85 lto be" hereinafter-l more-,fully described; I with aportionof the envelope -disposed'exteriorly of the casing andthe'remainder thereof disposed interiorly of the casing and immersed inthe v1 body of cooling and insulating material 9. A 90 cooling radiator17 is secured to the terminalrof Ythe anode 16 which extends exteriorlyof the evacuated envelope and is accordingly immersed in the cooling andinsulating medium 9 for the purpose of vtransmitting the heat generatedVduring operation of the tube to this latter medium. A low tensiontransformer 18, having a primary `winding 19, which may bev connectedAto the envelope and casing.l

One end' of the high tension secondary'winding. 8 is connected to theanode terminal, which constitutes thejradiator 17, by means of -aconductor- 25.disposedv Within the casingandl the 110 `the cooling andvinsulating material. generated during operation of the tube istransremaining end of the high tension secondary 8 is suitably connectedto the metallic tank 5 through a conductor 26. The high tension circuitfor supplying discharge energy to the X-ray tube is completed by meansof a conductor 27 which connects the casing 5 to the cathode heatingsource 20.

In the operation of my unit a control stand is normally employedcontaining the switches which connect the primary windings 7 and 19 ofthe high and low tension transformers, re# spectively, to the commercialsource of`supply. 'Ihe low tension cathode, heating transformer may bean integral part o f the control apparatus separated from the shockproofunit as 'shown diagrammatically in Figure l in order to reduce theweight of the unit itself. -Howev'en-should it be preferred thistransformer may be placed within the casing 5 and immersed in thecooling and insulating medium in the same manner as the high tensiontransformer. In'supporting the X-ray tube to the container, as shown inFigures l and 2, a ange 28 of a 'suitable material, such for example asthat of the casing 5, provided with a laterally extending frusto-conicalportion, surrounds the envelope 14 adjacent the cathode.` The smallestinternal diameter of this frusto-conical portion is substantially equal.to that of the diameter of the envelope and increases in diameter towardthe base'lor collar portion of the flange 28.

A'suitable oil resisting cement 29, having a Vcoefficient of expansionsimulating that of the Vitreousenvelope 14, is vdisposed'in the spaceVbetween the envelope and the frustoco'nical portionA of the flange and.unites the two rigidly together thus making the ange an integral partof the tube. The tube is then secured tothe casing 5 by suitablefasteners, such as studs 30, extending 'outwardly from the casing andadapted to pass Athrough openings provided'in the flange 28 with thelatter rigidly secured to the casingby nuts 32.' This constructionallows the ready removal of the tube for replacement or repair withoutdisturbing any other portions of uthe apparatus. In'order to Vmake theconnection of the ange to the casing oil tight I mayv pro- Yvidea'suitable gasket (not shown) or run a thin film of solder or othermetalaround-the ledgeof the flange where it contacts the casing.

` iilterand affect the qualityv of the X-rays generated. Theremainder ofthe enevelope 14 together with the cooling radiator 17 is disposedinteriorly -of the casing and thus immersed in The heat mitted to-thecooling and insulating medium 9 through the walls of the envelope aswell as by the radiator 17 resulting in effective cooling and the vusualeiiicient operation of the tube.

Moreover, `the high tensionterminals and all connections carrying apotential above ground, such forei'rample as "the conductor 25 and theanode terminalV constituting the radiator" 17, are immersed in thecooling and insulating medium having a higher dielectrio'strength thanair. ,This enables the spacing' between Vthese highpotentia1 parts andthe grounded casing 5 and cathode terminals 23, 24, between which is thefull potential of the secondary winding 8, to be considerably reducedover that required for an X-ray tube operated in air with the sameapplied voltage. Accordingly the X-ray tube itself may be ofreduced sizeas a lesser spacing is required between itsrespective terminals.

The modifications of my invention shown in Figs. 3 and 4 differ fromthat just described merely in the manner of supporting the X-ray tubefrom the casing and in all other respects thek construction andarrangements of the various partsare identical. In Fig. 3, I have showna skirt 33 of the same vitreousmaterial as the envelope of the X-raytube 14 rigidly aiiixed to the latter and forming a part thereof. Thisvskirt extends from the point of connection to the envelope 14 slightlyoutwardly and upwardly to'form a ring or collar surrounding the envelope.having a slightly vgreater diameter thanV they latter.

The ange 28 is in this instance provided with a slightly taperingredge34 about the pe.- riphery of the laterally extending portionthereofwhichis joined-to the largerdiameter portion of the skirt 33. Theseelementsareunited at this point in a manner well known to the art toform a metal to glass seal which is absolutely oil tight thus dispensingwith Athe necessity of an oil resisting cement as in the modificationprey,

viously described. The flange 28 vmay then be secured to the casing 5 inthe same manner as stated relative to Figs. l -and 2.

in Fig. 4, I have shown still another form of ico my invention for.supporting the 1 X-ray tube tolthe container. Inl this particularfernbediv.ment I surround the X-ray tube enveloperwith a metal lband 35or. make the same anintegral partfof' the` wallrof the envelopebyvuniting the glass envelope thereto asis wellknown.

This metal'band 35 isfprovided with a laterally extending ring 36,surrounding the band, which is eitherrigidly secured-thereto or maybe apart struck up from the band itself.

-The ange. 28 is'fprovided, in this instance, with a laterally'extendingportion comprising a exible metal collar '37fwhich is joined togthe ring36 and consequently tothe tube-,envelope -14 forming. therewithV an oiltightseal. VThisreduces the .rigidity between the tube and casingand'absorbs, to a'considerable, extent, any jars or shocks to whichthetube-may 4unavoidably be subjected duringshipmentfvor operation ofthe apparatus. Moreover, due tothe yieldable construction ofthe ange 28,displacement of 'thetube in a longitudinal direction occurs followingany tendency of the-cooling and insulating material to, change itsyvolumetric capacity due to rises in temperature.

In View of the foregoing it readily becomes ob-v vious to those skilledin the art that I have provided ashockproof X-ray unit that is ruggedand compact and inY which thepossibility of an operator or patientaccidentially contacting any high voltageparts is entirely obviated.Morei immersed in the cooling and insulating medium the' portion of theenvelope through which the X- raysemanate is disposed exteriorlyA of thev'casing'and' medium thus preventing the ltering ofthe X-rays or in anyway affecting the quality of the X-ray projected upon a patient or asensitized lm. Y Y

Having described several specific embodiments of my invention I do notdesire to be limited thereto as various other modiiications `of the samemay be made Without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas set orthin the appended claims.

What is claimed istV '1; .In `an electron discharge apparatus, thecombination or a casing provided with a source of high potentialelectrical energy therein, an insulating and cooling -medium envelopinglsaid high potential source, an electron dischargev tube formed at leastin part of avvitreousy hermetically-sealed evacuated envelope havingananode anda filamentary cathode and adapted to be energized bysaid highpotentialsource, and Vmeans Vfor supporting said discharge tube by saidcasing with the greater portionofrthe envelope of said tube immersed insaid cooling andv insulating medium and the remainder thereof disposedexteriorly of said casing, and'said means forming an oil tight sealvWith said envelope` and said casing.

2. In an electron discharge apparatus, the combination of a casingprovided with a source of high potential electrical energy therein, aninsulating and cooling medium enveloping said high4 potential source, anelectron discharge tube formed at least in part of a vitreoushermetically sealed evacuated envelope having an anode and a lamentarycathode and adapted to ibe energized by said high potential source, and

means for supporting said discharge device by .said casing with thegreater portion of the envelope of said tube and its anode terminalimmersed in said insulating and cooling medium, and the remainder of theenvelope of said tube and its cathode terminal disposed exteriorly ofsaid casing, said means forming an oil tight seal with the envelope ofsaid tube and said casing.

3. In an X-ray apparatus, the combination of a casing provided with asource of high potential electrical energy therein, an insulating andcooling medium enveloping said high potential source, an X-ray tubeformed at least in part of a vitreous hermetically sealed evacuatedenvelope having an anode and a filamentary cathode and adapted to beenergized by said high potential source, and means interposed betweenthe envelope of said tube and said casing, for supporting said Xray tubeby said casing with the greater portion of the envelope of said tubeimmersed in said insulating and cooling medium and the remainder thereofdisposed exteriorly of said casing, and for forming an oil tight sealbetween said tube and said casing.

4. In an electron discharge apparatus, the combination or" a casingprovided with a source or" high potential electrical energy therein, aninsulating and cooling medium enveloping said Vhigh potential source, anelectron discharge tube having an hermetically sealed evacuated envelopeformed at least in part of a vitreous material and provided with ananode and a iilamentary cathode adapted to be energized by said highpotential source, and means for securing said tube to said casing toform an oil tight seal therebetween with the greater portion of theenvelope of said tube projecting into 'said casing and immersed in saidinsulating and cooling medium and the vremainder thereof ldis-V posedexteriorly `of said casing.,

5. In an electronv discharge apparatus, the

combination of a casing provided-with a source of high potentialelectrical `energytherein, an-

formed at'least in. part of a vitreous :material y and provided With ananode and a'lamentary cathode adapted to be energized by saidlrighpotential source, and anoil tight flange secured to the envelope of saidtubeand engageable withv said casing to form an oil tight sealtherebetween fand 'for supporting said tube with the.

greater Vportion of the envelope thereof disposed'interiorly of saidcasing in saidbody of` insulating and cooling medium Aand the remainderof. said tube .disposed exteriorly of said casing. v

6. In an X-ray apparatus, 'the `combination'l of a casing provided witha source of high potential electrical energy therein, an insulating andcooling medium enveloping said high potential source, lan X-ray tubehaving an hermetl ically sealed evacuated envelope formed at least inpart of a vitreous 'material' and provided with an anode and afilamentary cathode adapted to lie-energized by said high potentialsource, and means forming an oil tight seal with said envelope and saidcasing, and v:forsupporting said X-ray-tubeA by said casing with thegreater portion of the envelope of said tube and its anode terminaldisposed interiorly of said casing in said body of insulating andcooling medium and `the remainder of said envelope and the cathodeterminal disposed exteriorly of said casing.

7. In an X-ray apparatus, the combination of a casing provided with asource of high potential electrical energy therein, an insulating andcooling medium enveloping said high potential source, an X-ray tubehaving an hermetically sealed evacuated envelope formed at least in partof a vitreous material and provided with an anode and a iilamentarycathode adapted to be energized by said high potential source, and meanssecured to the envelope of said tube and to said casing to form an oiltight seal therebetween and for supporting said tube With the portion ofsaid envelope from which X-rays emanate located exteriorly of saidcasing and the remainer of said envelope disposed interiorly' of saidcasing and immersed in said cooling and insulating material.

8. In an X-ray apparatus, the combination of a casing provided with asource of high potential electrical energy therein, an insulating andcooling medium enveloping said high potential source, an X-ray tubeenergizable by said high potential source having an hermetically sealedevacuated envelope formed at least in part of a vitreous material andprovided with an anode and a i'ilamentary cathode therein and an anodestein, a heat dissipating means carried by said anode stemforpdissipating heat from said anode during operation of said X-raytube, and means forming an oil tight seal with the envelope of said tubeand said casing, and supporting said X-ray tube with the portion of saidenvelope from which X-rays emanate disposed exteriorly of said casingand the remainder of said envelope and said heat dissipating meansdisposed interiorly of said casing and immersed in said cooling andinsulating medium. v

i9. In an .X-ray apparatus, the combination of a casing provided with asource of high potential energy therein, an insulating and coolingmedium venveloping said high potential source, an X-ray 4tubevenergizable by said high potential Vsource and having an hermeticallysealed evacuatedlenvelope formed at least in part of a vitreous materialwith an anode and a ii1amen-` tary cathode therein, a flange adapted tobe secured Ato the envelope of said tube and to said casing, means jforsecuring said flange to the envelope of said tube comprising an oilresisting cement having a coefficient of expansion similar to saidenvelope, and means for securing said ange to said casing to form an oiltight seal therewith and to support said tube with the portion of saidenvelope from which X-rays emanate disposed exteriorly of said casingand the Aremainder of said envelope disposed interiorly of said casingand immersed in saidy insulating and cooling medium.

10. In an X-ray apparatus, the combination of a casing provided with asource of high potential energy therein, an insulating and coolingmedium enveloping said high potential source,

an 4X-ray tube energizable by said high potential source having anhermetically sealed evacuated envelope formed at least in part of avitreous material Vand provided with an anode and a filamentary cathodetherein, said envelope having a skirted portion contiguous therewith ofthe same vitreous material as said envelope,

Lee'aosiv a ange `secured ,to the skirted portion 'of said envelope andforming therewith an oil tight seal, and means for securing said Aiangeto said casing to form an oil tight seal and to Support said tube withthe portion of saidenvelope from which X- rays emanate disposedeXteriorlyV of said easing and the remainder of said envelope disposedinteriorly of Vsaid vcasing and immersed in said insulating and coolingmedium.

11. In an X-ray apparatus, the combinationlof a casing provided with aVsource of high potential electrical energy therein, an insulating Yandcooling medium enveloping said high potential source, Van X-ray tubeenergizable by said high potential source having an evacuatedhermeticallysealed envelope formed at least in part of a vitreousmaterial and provided with an anode and a iilamentary cathode, saidenvelope being formed, in `part of metal and provided` with a flangeflexibly secured thereto and forming an oil tight seal therewith for thepurpose of preventing shocks from deleteriously ailecting said tube, andmeans for securing said ange to said casing to form an oil tight sealtherewith and to support said tube with the portion of said( envelopefrom which X-rays emanate `disposed exteriorly of said casing and theremainder of said envelope dsposed interiorly of said casing andimmersed in said insulating and cooling medium for cooling said tubeduring operation thereof. v

Y MONTFORD MORRISON.

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